Finding a "workable solution" to continue the operation of aircraft in the Maldives by Indian soldiers was discussed in a meeting yesterday, the Indian External Affairs Ministry said.
A key meeting of the "Core Group" formed for talks on removing Indian soldiers from the country and several other issues concerning bilateral relations took place at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
In a statement after the meeting, the Maldives Foreign Ministry said both sides "agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel."
However, the Indian statement about the meeting made no mention of the issue.
Discussions were held on "finding mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac [medical evacuation] services to the people of Maldives," the Indian External Affairs Ministry said.
According to the previous administration in the Maldives, Indian soldiers were stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft "gifted" by India. Sending back all Indian soldiers in the Maldives, including the aircraft operators, was a campaign pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Following the high-level talks of the India-Maldives Core Group yesterday, the President's Office said the Maldives government proposed the withdrawal of Indian troops before March 15.
President's Office Policy Director Abdulla Nazim told reporters that the President had proposed to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives within the next 30 days.
"During the meeting, the President proposed the removal of Indian troops before March 15. The government, the President's Office and the President have proposed this date for the agenda of the meeting. Those discussions are now underway," Nazim said.
Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar and senior Indian diplomats attended the meeting and the Maldives was represented by senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and President's Office, Nazim said.
The Foreign Ministry said both sides "reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation" and discussed "a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development cooperation."
The second meeting of the India-Maldives Core Group is due to take place in New Delhi, the Foreign Ministry said.
